Nature

February 08, 2011

.: This birch bark frame was created to compliment this natural photo :.

Recently I received a beautiful photo in the mail from Nicola. I had been dreaming up the idea of creating a birch bark frame, and this photo seemed just the right one to naturally frame!

I look forward to sharing my process for creating a nature-inspired frame. I am very happy with the results and hope you enjoy it too!

.: I knew right away this photo would have a special adorned frame :.

I knew right away this photo would not be placed in just any frame. I wanted to create something just as lovely to hold it. Now I will share the process of the birch bark frame I made to bring a bit of nature indoors!

.: A simple frame was used as the base. Its simple lines suit the birch bark that will be secured to it :.

I began with an inexpensive frame. I made sure to pick out something that was low profile enough so that when the birch bark was adhered to it, it would lay evenly and completely from all angles.

.: I used these few pieces of birch bark I had stored away in the craft closet :.

Most of my creating is inspired by nature and by the objects we collect along our nature walks. My craft closet holds stones, pinecones, shells, and birch bark (to name a few) so that during the winter months we still have access to these natural ingredients for our crafting.

.: An inexpensive frame, hot glue, scissors, and birch bark are the materials used to create this nature-inspired frame :.

I had a few pieces of birch bark that we had previously gathered from a fallen tree. Even if you only have a few pieces of birch bark, the rough look of pieced bark together on the frame adds natural beauty. If you do not have access to birch bark, try looking for scrap book paper in a birch motif that you could adhere to cardboard before securing it to the frame.

.: Piecing together the birch bark to create a rustic and natural looking frame :.

I began piecing together pieces of birch bark along the frame, securing it with hot glue and cutting pieces to fit as I went along to create a rustic look.

.: The finished frame with photo inside! :.

I am quite happy with the finished result. I think this nature photo and natural frame complement one another very well!

.: I love the pairing of the birch with the flower print - it looks lovely at home! :.

We are enjoying the way the photo paired with the birch bark frame looks at home. I look forward to creating many more!

February 06, 2011

To live presently with the rhythm of each season is a true joy of life. It helps us to soak in each inspiring and beautiful element of the season with gratitude, mindfulness, and artfulness.

.: Cranberries and Evergreens suspended in ice :.

It is a yearly tradition for my family to make Ice Mandalas in February. The deep cold this month has to offer perfectly maintains this outdoor gallery of art while the monochromatic landscape offers a complementary backdrop for this bright display of color!

.: Berries and greens starting to freeze :.

With much excitement I shared with the children it was time to create ice mandalas. Soon we set out our supplies to create a dream-like world under the trees in honor of the winter season.

.: Baking pans with water set outdoors while nature does her part to freeze each mandala :.

Circular baking pans were filled with water, jute rope was taped to the edge of the pan, and then came an imaginative session of placing in each object that would soon be frozen in ice!

.: Each ice mandala sparkles as it catches the light :.

It is wonderful to step outside and behold the morning sunlight slowly returning to sparkle through the colorful objects suspended in ice.

.: Petals on ice :.

The early evening light highlights the bubbles and swirls that form in each ice mandala. This brings great beauty and a big smile into our day!

.: Cranberries and Evergreens on Ice :.

Nature collaborated beautifully on this project, freezing each icy disk.

.: This doile is set in water outdoors to freeze, creating an Ice Mandala :.

A crocheted doile was captured in ice today and was set out in the branches of an old cherry tree to share with us the details of its pattern.

.:The sunlight illuminates each Ice Mandala as it hangs from branches:.

Soon the sun that is shining brightly once again will melt all of the snow and ice and hand back to us this doile that will be placed on a spring table set with fresh tulips from the gardens.

.: Adding petals to water creating an Ice Mandala :.

While we place each medium into the pan of water, we enjoy the yearly traditions we take part in together. These traditions are a way for us to mark the seasons and remind us of what is to come...For a look at last year's 'Ice Mandalas', visit the link here.

February 01, 2011

While my thoughts drift to the green of spring the snow drifts continue to rise...

When the snow finallyebbed into a gentle flurry, I told my husband I was planning to set off into the woods with my camera to capture the energy of the end of the storm. My daughter said: "Wait for me mama!" She alwayshas her camera at the ready and creates her own beautiful places that she captures in her mind as well as on her camera.

This time spent capturing moments with my daughter was a memorable one. I watched her as she took her time along the trail in the woods finding beautiful spots on her own. Soon my own photos reflected her journey of enjoyment, entering into the peace of the woods and the mindfulness that nature brings.

This little one has such creativity swirling within her mind and heart. She has more talent and beauty in her mind's eye than I could ever imagine. I am thankful to be on this journey alongside each of the children, watching them find meaning in their lives through their interests and mediums of choice.

I am thankful for this time with my daughter doing something we both love--walking together in the snowy woods finding beauty while bonding with one another.

This time for me in the woods turned from a time of appreciating nature to a time spent appreciating the beauty ofa child appreciating nature.

I am thankful for these quiet, unexpected, andunplanned moments. They arecherished moments in time that will never be repeated in exactly the same way but will last a lifetime in my heart.

Children in our lives are remarkable creatures of light. I am thankful to be let into their world and to share these moments of seeing the world through their eyes, while watching them grow and learn.

I look forward to many more moments with each of the children--finding beauty in life together in quiet unexpected times that are truly magical.